Canon EOS XTi advice

**peterscrackak** · 12-09-2007, 11:45 PM

For the last couple of seasons, I have been using a small point-and-shoot camera and am stoked on the technology and size of the camera, but it is time to upgrade. I have a budget of about $1,ooo. There is a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi 2 lens Zoom Kit -Includes Canon 18-55mm & Canon 75-300mm for sale for $800. The camera's main purpose will be for skiing, but I will also be using it for family, fishing, and floating trips. Will this camera produce quality ski shots? Is it going to be too cumbersome to take on multi-day trips? How much money should I expect to pay for addtional "stuff"? And is it a good deal/product? My brother tells me I need to step it up to the D40 but there is a pair of skis difference in the price. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

**ak_powder_monkey** · 12-10-2007, 01:50 AM

don't get the kit with the 75-300 and get a 70-200 f4 instead

**Microcosm** · 12-10-2007, 08:41 PM

I love my XTi. I've had it for a few months now and all I can say is buy the body and a better lens to start and forget the kit. I sorta wish I had done that because I'm still deciding on a new lens for it. (I have the 18-55 kit now.)
you could also look into a used 20d or 30d for the same price which many will argue is better because of the fps and the better make. I still like the xti though because it's a bit smaller and it has a sensor cleaner. a larger fps would be nice though.

**cjump** · 12-13-2007, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Microcosm

a larger fps would be nice

I agree with every word that is spoken here. I bought mine with the 18-55 because I was a photo jong (still am) but the lens is crap. You probably could buy the body, a nice lens, filter(s), and bag for under a grand.

**Voltron** · 12-13-2007, 10:54 PM

My most recent acquisition is a used 20D along with a 50mm f/1.8. It is awesome.

**shirk** · 12-14-2007, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by Voltron

My most recent acquisition is a used 20D along with a 50mm f/1.8. It is awesome.

If I was going to drop money on a dslr it would be for a used higher end camera rather than a new XTi or Nikon equiv.

**grapedrink** · 12-14-2007, 10:45 AM

he meant 40D. if your budget is $1,000 then spend around $1,100 and get a used 20D, a used 70-200 F4 non IS, and the new 18-55mm IS lens (don't confuse with the non IS version, the new IS version is one of the sharpest lenses canon has ever made and it only costs $175). if you've got another $300 to spare then pick up a used 430ex flash and a 50mm f1.8 lens if you want to do any indoor/lowlight stuff.

**peterscrackak** · 12-15-2007, 10:17 AM

I had it all figured out and now I'm back to the drawing board. Thanks for all the advice. It sounds like the kit lenses are crap, so I am not going that route. Still confused on the set up to get; but, I guess that's better than buying junk.

**dino** · 12-19-2007, 03:54 PM

I've got an xti. There is a large learning curve, so I think the kit lens is a good starting point. You will learn what you want by experimenting.

edited to add an example from the kit lens:

**steve** · 01-10-2008, 12:01 PM

where do you guys buy used equipment?
ebay? amazon marketplace? used camera shops? the drug addict down the street?

**shirk** · 01-10-2008, 12:33 PM

find Tippsters getting screwed in the G9 thread. I think there are links to the only reputatble spots to buy gear on the web in it.

**smalls** · 01-10-2008, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by ak_powder_monkey

don't get the kit with the 75-300 and get a 70-200 f4 instead

Having only the 70-200 would be extremely limiting. That's a 112-320mm on an XTi which doesn't seem ideal for family and fishing shots.

Originally Posted by steve

where do you guys buy used equipment?
ebay? amazon marketplace? used camera shops? the drug addict down the street?

NOT ebay and be very careful with used camera shops online. Do your research at resellerratings.com. The absolute best (imo) is b&h used and keh.

Originally Posted by peterscrackak

Will this camera produce quality ski shots?

Yes. But don't expect the camera to automatically produce quality shots. If you can't get good shots with a P&S then a dSLR won't make you any better. Once you learn the basics of photography the XTi will indeed help you take very nice shots.

Originally Posted by peterscrackak

Is it going to be too cumbersome to take on multi-day trips?

That's entirely dependent on you. Obviously it will add a few pounds to your pack and take up space, but the biggest hassle is stopping to pull it out while you're skiing. If you're willing to take a minute or two to set up then you'll be fine. But if you are more concerned with taking a brief shot and not being too inconvenienced, I'd recommend a G9.

Originally Posted by peterscrackak

How much money should I expect to pay for addtional "stuff"?

At least two CF cards, at least 1gb each. I recommend the Sandisk Extreme series as they hold up very well to extreme temps, they're very shock resistant and their recovery software is top notch. Other than that you'll want a spare battery, a card reader and a strap (at the very least).

Originally Posted by peterscrackak

And is it a good deal/product? My brother tells me I need to step it up to the D40 but there is a pair of skis difference in the price.

It's a decent deal, not great. I would echo the sentiments of others and recommend you get a used 20d instead. Do your research comparing the XTi and the 20d and you'll see why. You can get them for very good prices at KEH and B&H.

I would also agree that you should steer clear of the kit lens and the 75-300. Both are very soft and just plain frustrating to use. You'll also find that most pro ski photogs don't even bust out the big lens for many of their shots. Wide/Mid-range zooms are much more common and also much less cumbersome. I love my tamron 17-50/2.8 and you can find them used fairly easily. However, I've never tried the new 18-55IS and have heard wonderful things about it.

Good luck and be sure to share your shots with us.

**steve** · 01-10-2008, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by shirk

find Tippsters getting screwed in the G9 thread. I think there are links to the only reputatble spots to buy gear on the web in it.

help..

"screwed" turns up nothing
"getting" is too common (limitation of TGR search)
"G9" is too short (particularly annoying limitation of TGR search)

searching threads started by tippster.

**smalls** · 01-10-2008, 01:32 PM

it's in grizzle's thread.

edit: http://tetongravity.com/forums/showp...2&postcount=12

Again, if you're going to purchase anywhere other than bhphoto.com or keh.com, please do your research first at www.resellerratings.com. For example: http://www.resellerratings.com/store...et_Photo_Video

**steve** · 01-10-2008, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by smalls

it's in grizzle's thread.

edit: http://tetongravity.com/forums/showp...2&postcount=12

thanks..

thanks also for the B&H tip. I may just go there and make an impulse purchase.. love visiting that shop.

SkiBumOfVT · 06-19-2008, 09:23 AM

how did they get screwed over on ebay?

**Bean** · 06-19-2008, 09:53 AM

I've never used the 18-55 non-IS but I have the IS version and it's great. Very sharp. Also have the 50mm f/1.8 which I love. Saving up now for hopefully the 70-200 f/4 non-IS and should be set for a while.

(used 30D)

**squirrelmurphy** · 06-19-2008, 10:58 AM

I'm looking at getting the new Sigma 70-200/2.8 II. Supposed to be equal w/ Canon 70-200/2.8 optically. $750 from Amazon, $800 from B&H.

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